Associations between Peer Relationships and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

Popularity and friendship are distinct constructs within the domain of peer relationships, and each is related to children's adjustment. The current study extended earlier research by testing whether the relations of popularity and friendship quality to depressive symptoms are moderated by age and gender. Participants (166 fifth graders, 156 eighth graders) completed rating scales about peers to assess popularity and self-report questionnaires to assess friendship quality and depressive symptoms. Friendship quality and popularity were correlated significantly, but the magnitude of the association was small Although friendship quality and popularity each made an independent contribution to predicting depressive symptoms, the association between popularity and symptoms of depression was stronger for girls than for boys. Possible explanations for the differing associations for boys and/or girls are discussed.